Canon R100 R100 second lens for new user

[SO8]

To accompany an R100 with 18-45 lens for a new camera user doing A level photography what lens would people choose on a budget .... RF 50 f1.8 or RF-S 55-210 ?

My initial thought was the 50 as it will give shallow dof and work better in low light where the kit lens won't ... but then wondered re the 55-210 to compliment the smaller zoom as that is offered as a second lens with the R50 but not the R100.

The user though having done GCSE has no idea of shutter speeds / aperture or ISO as they don't actually teach any of that for the exams, only how to digitally alter imaages it seems !!

Views on which lens ? I wondered re the RF-S 18-150 but already having having the 18-45 it seems a waste and is a lot dearer than the other two can be bought for.

 

[Dean Wilson]

Remember that there is more involved to DoF than the F-stop.

Using the R100 with the 18-45mm at 50mm and f/8 and 2 feet from the subject will have a DoF of about 1-1/2 inches.
But using RF 50mm f/1.8 and 20 feet from the subject will have a larger Dof of about 3 feet, 2-1/2 inches.

That being said: with a 50mm you zoom in and out with your feet, with the 55-210 you zoom in and out with your lens.
Some people prefer prime lens while others don't...it really depends one that they are photographing and their style.

 

[SO8]

Remember that there is more involved to DoF than the F-stop.

Using the R100 with the 18-45mm at 50mm and f/8 and 2 feet from the subject will have a DoF of about 1-1/2 inches.
But using RF 50mm f/1.8 and 20 feet from the subject will have a larger Dof of about 3 feet, 2-1/2 inches.

That being said: with a 50mm you zoom in and out with your feet, with the 55-210 you zoom in and out with your lens.
Some people prefer prime lens while others don't...it really depends one that they are photographing and their style.

Thanks Funnily enough I mentioned to them about there being a number of different things that alter Dof but did not want to go further explaining in case I stood on the teachers toes .... though it seems there is no input other than take some photos with shallow Dof ... not how

I think as it is their first 'serious' camera and I am unsure what they want to do with it may well be best to just see what happens and go from there.

Depending on what they do and say, that will dictate another zoom or a cheap prime.

 

[TwoWheeler]

Not sure if renting is a possibility, but I’ve found that a good way to evaluate a lens.

 

[SO8]

Not sure if renting is a possibility, but I’ve found that a good way to evaluate a lens.

Thanks. It is indeed. I have tried them as I work in a camera store so know exactly what they are both like .... but it isn't going to be for me, it is for a 16 year old. I was just torn between the two options as both have pluses and minuses .... prob going for the second zoom as it compliments the little kit lens and they can borrow my kit if they need to do something fancy and I can talk them through the camera settings / where to stand / how to frame, etc ... as the teacher doesn't tell them a thing !

 

[TwoWheeler]

Thanks. It is indeed. I have tried them as I work in a camera store so know exactly what they are both like .... but it isn't going to be for me, it is for a 16 year old.

Ah, makes sense. I have rented several lenses that I thought I wanted…only to find they weren’t all that and a bag of chips or that they just weren’t suited to what I do.

Saved a bunch of money!

hey can borrow my kit if they need to do something fancy and I can talk them through the camera settings / where to stand / how to frame, etc ... as the teacher doesn't tell them a thing !

You are a nice person. When I cleanse the planet, you can stay.

 

[JCBigler]

I prefer the 35mm f/1.8 over the 50mm.

But maybe you want something with a little more reach. The 85mm f/2 would be a good option also.

Or maybe trade in the variable aperture RF-S 18-45 for the Sigma RF 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN?

 

[SO8]

I prefer the 35mm f/1.8 over the 50mm.

But maybe you want something with a little more reach. The 85mm f/2 would be a good option also.

Or maybe trade in the variable aperture RF-S 18-45 for the Sigma RF 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN?

I've cancelled the order for the 50mm and ordered a white box RF-S 55-210 for £209 so massively less than the RRP.
I have an RF 35mm f1.8 so she can try that if she wants. It will give her equivalent of FF 56mm on an APS-C sensor
I know she doesn't like heavy ... so the 35 might be a good option.